Emerging Themes

Based on the implementation of the C2C Toolkit to date, a few key themes have emerged for the pledges around which collaboration is taking place in action. These fall into six broad categories.

1. Pre-tenancy support and assessment

Developing communications that provide tenants with necessary information and resources during their transition to new accommodation to understand the support that’s available if people are struggling.  This is also related to getting to know tenants so that offers of early support can be driven by this information and escalating risks to tenancies can be better identified.  By committing to work in this area, organisations contribute to a collaborative response across organisational functions, e.g., tenancy and housing-related support, maintenance, finance, etc., ensuring stable housing transitions and early intervention if risk begins to escalate.

Example pledges

• Specialist support will be tailored and person-centred. It will be flexible, skilled, and for as long as required.
• Early intervention will be targeted to reach individuals at risk of losing their home.

 

2. Data analysis and information sharing

Data analysis and information sharing can have a powerful role in preventing and relieving homelessness.  By analysing data about tenants to identify risk factors and trends – such as rent arrears or incidents of antisocial behaviour – agencies can identify ‘at risk' populations early.  Such insights from data allow targeted and earlier interventions, preventing the risk of homelessness before it escalates.

Organisations may explore legal routes to share data on at risk individuals, enabling coordinated efforts across departments or agencies.  Information exchange encourages collaboration and can save time and effort by avoiding duplication.  Data-driven decisions guide resource allocation and program effectiveness.  Regular information sharing can also ensure adaptive responses to people’s changing needs.

Similarly, data informs intervention evaluation, monitoring progress, and helping to align resources with approaches that deliver the intended outcomes most effectively.  Real-time data allows evidence-based adjustments to both frontline and strategic level approaches.

Example pledges

• Data is used to inform activity and evaluate impact.
• We will know our population, and they will know us.

 

3. Collaborations and partnerships

Collaborations and partnerships play a crucial role in preventing and relieving homelessness. Through collaboration, for example, social housing organisations working with health and social care colleagues can provide information about available services.  By working together, services can develop preventive strategies to promote earlier interventions.  For instance, identifying health conditions that may lead to risk in housing stability and providing targeted interventions.

Example pledges

• We will work in partnership with other agencies and providers to help people sustain their health and homes.
• Health practitioners will work in collaboration with housing and support services to ensure the individual has the best possible chance of recovery.
• Health practitioners will work with housing and support providers during transition and move-on.
• Health practitioners will work with the Local Authority and homelessness services to remove barriers to health services as a result of their housing situation.
• Health practitioners will ensure planned handover when locality changes take place.
• Hospitals will have a formal universal discharge protocol in place or work towards developing / agreeing one.
• Primary health care services will develop and agree fast-track referral routes to homelessness services.

 

4. Strengthening communications

Strengthening communications is useful in efforts to prevent and relieve homelessness.  Clear communication between stakeholders — whether internal or external — helps to ensure coordinated efforts.  For example, improved communication helps identify at risk individuals early so that referrals can be made to appropriate services promptly.  Improved communications with people that are at risk of or experiencing homelessness can help their decision-making.  Informing people about available services can facilitate early access and listening to people about their needs informs effective responses and strategies. 

Effective communication campaigns can create public awareness and empathy for people experiencing housing distress or homelessness through traditional and social media, partnership with third sector organisations, and local businesses to amplify efforts.

Example pledges

• We will ensure people know where to go and how to access support at the point of crisis.

 

5. Joined-up approach to homelessness prevention

No single organisation or agency has all the resources, knowledge, or skills necessary to prevent and relieve homelessness on its own.  Therefore, working alongside others in joined up approaches is essential.  Not only working across internal boundaries, for example, between support, housing maintenance, IT and data analysis, but also with external organisations that bring different expertise, insights and skills that can help people to access and maintain accommodation.  This can include working across the domains of health, social care, housing, and with third sector and community organisations to coordinate a rounded response for individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Example pledges

• We understand how good housing is critical to good health and well-being.
• We will provide health and well-being support to sustain people in their homes.
• Homelessness health services will provide accessible, safe, responsive access for those in crisis.
• Integrated care and support assessments and plans will be put in place for those in recovery.
• Health practitioners will provide ongoing necessary support to sustain a settled home.
• We will provide accessible primary health care services for all citizens.

 

6. Involving people with lived experience

Lived experience is invaluable in shaping effective homelessness interventions.  People who’ve experienced homelessness offer unique insights.  Their feedback ensures interventions resonate with real-world challenges.  Similarly, lived experience informs service delivery, making it more psychologically informed, empathetic, and responsive.  Feedback loops allow adjustments based on real-world impact informed by lived experience for continuous improvement.  Testimony from people with lived experience can drive policy change and raise awareness.

Example pledges

• We will involve people with lived experience of homelessness in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of policy, strategy, and services.

 

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